Did SMU Mustangs' Defense Shut Down Louisville Cardinals at Gerald J. Ford Stadium?
The Southern Methodist University Mustangs improved their record to 8-3 with a commanding 38-6 victory over the Louisville Cardinals, who now stand at 7-4. The game, held at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, saw the home team dominate both offensively and defensively.
First Quarter
The opening quarter set the tone for the Mustangs as they quickly took control of the game. Kevin Jennings led SMU's offense with precision passing, completing 29 out of 37 attempts for a total of 303 yards and three touchdowns. The first touchdown came from a short pass to Yamir Knight, who made his way into the end zone to give SMU an early lead.
Second Quarter
In the second quarter, SMU's defense began to assert its dominance over Louisville's offense. Tyren Polley Jr.'s interception was one of several key moments that stifled any momentum for the Cardinals. Meanwhile, on offense, Jordan Hudson showcased his receiving skills by catching eight passes for 96 yards and scoring one touchdown.
Third Quarter
As play resumed after halftime, SMU continued their relentless pursuit on both sides of the ball. A field goal by Sam Keltner extended their lead further while Isaiah Smith contributed defensively with a sack that pushed back Louisville’s offensive line significantly.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter saw Shaadie Clayton-Johnson break through with an impressive 50-yard rushing touchdown that sealed any hopes of a comeback for Louisville. The Ponies' defense forced five three-and-outs throughout this period alone—highlighting their efficiency in shutting down plays before they could develop further.
SMU Mustangs coach post-game reaction emphasized teamwork as pivotal in achieving such results against formidable opponents like Louisville: "Our players executed our game plan flawlessly today," he stated proudly during post-match interviews.
Looking ahead to next week’s clash against California Golden Bears scheduled on November 29th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (1:00 PM EDT), fans can catch all live action via local sports networks or streaming services online!
For more insights into this match-up including detailed analysis from experts around college football landscape—stay tuned! Share this article if you found it informative!